PETER GABRIEL : cinema release and iPad app

APETER GABRIEL CONCERT FILMED IN LONDON LAST YEAR IS TO GET A BRIEF CINEMA RELEASE IN MARCH.

Filmed at the 02 in October, during the tour which marked SO’s 25th anniversary, BACK TO FRONT features a complete performance of Gabriel’s most successful album. The band which originally toured the album in 1987 was reassembled for the celebratory BACK TO FRONT shows; drummer Manu Katché, multi-instrumentalist David Sancious and long-term associates Tony Levin (bass) and David Rhodes (guitar). Highlights MERCY STREET, RED RAIN and IN YOUR EYES feature alongside hit singles DON’T GIVE UP and SLEDGEHAMMER, plus other back-catalogue favourites including SECRET WORLD, BIKO, SHOCK THE MONKEY, FAMILY SNAPSHOT and SOLSBURY HILL.

Directed by BAFTA award winner Hamish Hamilton (who previously produced Gabriel concert films GROWING UP, STILL GROWING UP and NEW BLOOD LIVE), the new film not only captures the stunning show but offers an intimate portrait through interviews with Gabriel and his band. ”I feel they have really caught what was unique about the tour – both visually and emotionally,” says Gabriel. The film will eventually be released on DVD and Blu Ray, but utilises the latest 4K Ultra High Definition technology (where available) and a 5.1 surround sound mix to deliver a unique cinematic event. BACK TO FRONT will be screened at selected cinemas worldwide between Thursday 20th and Sunday 23rd March. A full list of ticket links for participating UK cinemas can be found here.

Following 2013’s two SO-related iPad apps – visual communication tool GABBLE and MUSIC TILES (which offered users the opportunity to remix the album’s original multi-track studio stems) – Gabriel is about to launch a third. Photographer / journalist Armando Gallo and software development house Zentric have been given access to archive material to create SO 25TH ANNIVERSARY. The free app includes music, video, an exclusive interview, live photos and interactive content. Download here: http://bit.ly/pgsoapp
A digital version of the book originally contained in the 25th anniversary box set edition can also be unlocked (£0.69 in the UK) for a limited time. Simon Day’s ‘mockumentary’ THE LIFE OF ROCK WITH BRIAN PERN (the first of three parts was broadcast last Monday on BBC Four) features a merciless spoof. Gabriel (who turned 64 on 13th February) has taken it in good spirit. “Many of the laughs are at my expense – but it also had me laughing a lot,” he says. “There are many great cameos, my favourites being from Reeves and Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse”.